It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the peaceful passing of Johnnie Faye Baggett, a cherished mother, grandmother (Nana), and great grandmother. She passed away on November 18 at the age of 90, surrounded by loved ones in her home.
Faye is survived by her four children: Melanie Alexander (Todd), Drennen Baggett, III, Brooke Myers (Jim), and Jennifer Valenta (Rich). She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren: Tre’ Myers (Caroline), Lensi Smith (Justin), Katie Black (Jason), Hadyn Valenta (Ruka), Samuel Cranford (Jaelyn), Skylar Valenta Loyd (Hagen), Chandler Myers, Ethan Myers, Olivia Myers, and Peyton Alexander. In addition, she leaves eight great grandchildren: Braylun Smith, Sawyer Smith, Ezmae Cranford, Taytum Cranford, Ayden Slaten, Jackson Black, JJ Smith, and Brandon Smith, and long-time friend, Bob Rich. And we can’t forget her pets, Tiger, Benny and Foo Foo. Family meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Faye’s parents and former husband, Melvin Drennen Baggett Jr., predeceased her.
Faye (Mom) was born on September 23, 1933, in Bexar, AL, to Allen and Olma Wilson. She grew up in various small towns in Alabama, including Heflin and Columbiana. On October 8, 1952 she married Drennen Baggett, Jr., with whom she had four children. Although their marriage did not endure, she always made it a priority to include him in their lives, and they remained lifelong friends.
As a single mother, Faye worked tirelessly to support her children. She took great pride in her dedicated 29 years of service to Alabama Power Company, and even today, friends and coworkers remember her fondly.
Though our family may not have been wealthy in terms of material possessions, we never knew it as children, as she made everything whole, somehow providing the best Christmases, birthdays, and, ….well everything. She was always present, showing endless support for her children’s school activities, band performances, and sporting events, never missing a single one. Faye selflessly devoted her life to her family and others.
Faye had a remarkable green thumb that we all admired. She delighted in planting and tending to flowers, gardening, canning, cooking, cutting grass on her beloved John Deere tractor, and even square dancing.
Her legacy of immense love, kindness, selflessness, hard work, unyielding determination, positive attitude, and inner strength will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Faye’s passing was marked by peaceful surroundings, filled with gentle praise music, spoken scripture, and an outpouring of love. We are thankful she instilled in us a love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and take solace in knowing we will be reunited with her in the new heaven and new earth someday.
Services will be held at New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home in Dora, AL on Wednesday, November 22. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m.
